The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-06
Che Right of Translation is Reserved)


vL-HER INGENUITY INsTIGATEs HER.
September 19-Three months of anxious
rsre-tili at length I have taken the extreme
step of writing to him. Our chief distress has
been caused by the state of poor Caroline, who.
after sinking by degrees into such extreme
weakness to make it doubtful If she can ever
recover full vigor, has to-day been taken much
worse. Her position is very critical. The
doctor says plainly that she is dying of broken
heart-and that even the removal of the cause
may not restore her. Ought to have written
to Charles soonera But how could when she
forbade me7 It was her pride only which in
stigated her, and should not have obeyed.
September 26-Charles has arrived and has
seen her. He is shocked conscience stricken,
remorseful I have told him that he can do no
good beyond cheering her by his presence
do not know what he thinks of proposing to
her il she gets better, but he says little to her
at present; indeed, he dares not his words agi-
tate her dangerously.
September 28.-After a struggle between duty
and selhshness, such as pray to Heaven / may
never have to undergo again, have asked him
for PHYS sake to make her his wife, here and
now, she lies / said to him that the poor
child would not trouble him long; and such a sol
emnization would soothe her last hours az moth
ing else could do. He said that he would will
inely do and had thought of it himself but for
one forbiddina reason: in the event of her death
as his wife he can never marry me, her sister,
according 90 our laws. I started at his words.
He went on: son the other hand, if were sure
that immediate marriage with me would save
her life, l would not refuse, for possibly 1 might
after while, and out of sight of you, make my
self fairly content with one of so sweet a dispo
marrying her nor any other act can avail to save
her life. by so doing lose both her and you"
could not answer him.
September 29.-He continued firm in his rea
sons for refusal till this morning, and then I
became possessed with an idea which at once
propounded to him. It that he should at
line, in consideration of her love-a form which
need not be legal union. but one which would
satisfy her sick and enfeebled soul. Such things
have been done. and the sentiment of feeling
herself his would inexpressibly comfort her
mind. am sure Then, if she is taken from US,
/ should not have lost the power of becoming his
lawful wife at some future day, if it indeed
should be deemed exDedient. If. on the other
hand. she lives. he can on her recovery inform
her Of the incompleteness Of their marriage con-
tract. the ceremony can De repeated, and / can,
and, am sure. willingly would, avoid troubling
them with my presence till gray hairs and
wrinkles make his unfortunate passion for me
a thing of the past. put all this before him;
but he demurred.
September 3d. have urged him again. He
says he will consider. It is no time to mnce
matters, and further iuducement have
offered to enter into solemn engagement to
marry him myself a year after her death.
September 30-Later.--An agitating inte--
view. He says he will agree to whatever pro-
pose, the three possibilities and our contingent
acts being recorded as follows: First In the
event OF dear Caroline being taken from us,
marry him on the expiration of year. Second.
In the forlorn chance of her recovery take up
on myself the responsibility of explaining to
Caroline the true nature of the ceremony he has
gone through with her. that it was done at my
to make her happy at once before
special license could be obtained and that pub
lie ceremony at church is awaiting her. Third |
In the unlikely event of her cooling aud refusing
TO repeat the ceremony with him, leave Eng |
land, ioin him abroad and there wed him, agree |
ing not to live in England again till Caroline has
either married another or regards her attach |
ment to Charles a by gone matter. have |
thought over these conditions, and have agreed |
TO them all as thsy stand.
IL P. MI dc lot much like this scheme after
all. For one thing, have just sounded my
father on il before parting with him for the
night, my impression having been that he would
lee no objection But he says he could on no &C
count countenance any such unreal proceeding;
however good our intentions, and even though
the poor girl were dying, it would not be- right
so sadly seek my pillow.
October IL am sure my father is wrong in
lis view. Why is it not right, if it would be
'alm 20 Carolines wounded soul, and if a real
CEREMONY is absolutely refused by Charles
moreover is hardly practicable in the difficulty
II getting a special license. if he were agreed
,iy father does not know, will not believe,
hat Carolines attachment mas been the cause Of
Ter hopeless condition But that it is so, and
bat the form of words would give her inexpres-
IDLE happiness, know well; for I whispered |
en- tatively In her ear such marriages. and |
ne effect was great. Heuceforth my father
annot be taken into confidence on the subject |
Caroline He does not understand her
IL o'clock noon.-I have taken advantage of
ny fathers absence to-day to conide my secret
otion 70 a virtuous young man, who called
ere this morning to speak to nv father He |
the Mr. Theophilus Highman, of whom I
ave already had occasion TO speak, Scripture
sader IN the next town, and is soon going to be
rdained. told him the pitiable case and my
smeoy He says ardently that he will assist
le-would do anything for me the is, in truth
q admirer of minel; he no wrong in such
q act or charity. He is coming again to the
ouse this afternoon before my father returns
carry out the Idea have spoken to Charles
no promises to be ready. must now break |
le news to Caroline.
IL o'clock p MI have been in too much ex-
tement till now to set down the result. We
ave accomplished our plan; and though l feel
Se guilty sinner. am glad. My father, of
curse. is not to be informed as yet. Caroline
As had a seraphIc expression upon her wasted
face ever since. should hardly be
rprised ii it really saved her life even now
Id rendered legitimate union necessary be-
Feen them. In that case nv father can be in
rmed of the whole proceeding, aud in the face
such wonderful success cannot disapprove.
eanwhile Door Charles has not lost the posi-
lily of taking unworthy me to fill her place
ould she -. But cannot contemplate that
tentative unmoved and will not write it, T
1ares left for the south of Europe Immediate /
after the ceremony. He was in a high strung
robbing, almost wild state of mind at first q
lr grew calmer under my exhortations. had to T
" the penalty of receiving farewell kiss from S
N. which j much regret. considering It's mean-